I believe it’s simply human nature to want to know and have everything figured out.
However, I’d venture to propose that perhaps the most wonderful life and comfort blossoms from really, not having anything figured out.
For a long time in college, I was anxious about many things--everything, actually, if I’m being honest. I was anxious about what was going to happen that day and next week. I was anxious about school and work. Exercising consumed my thoughts--was I doing enough? And my personal body image tanked. I had feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, purposelessness, and loss of control. I woke up each day instantly stressed out and overwhelmed.
What I’ve learned, and am still learning, is that that is no way to live in the comforting care of Christ.
You see, our human desire to control everything is exhausting and useless. It unnecessarily wears us out and makes us less effective in the areas that actually need our hearts, bodies, and souls working effectively and wholly.
And that work is the call for us to do His Kingdom work.
We are called to be “carefree in the care of Christ,” as I’ve heard it said before. And it’s true. We are told not to worry, about anything (Matthew 6:25-34). We are told that we are much more valuable to God than sparrows, and that the very hairs on our heads are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). We are told to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). We are told to not be afraid, countless times (Isaiah 35:4, John 14:27, and Joshua 1:9, to name a few). And the list could go on and on.
God kindly but sternly reminds us not to be worried about anything because He wants us to keep our trust and focus on Him.
Our human minds simply cannot grasp the great and mighty ways and thoughts of our Creator in heaven, and God doesn’t even want us to try. He calls us to be still and know that He is God, that He has everything under control (Psalm 46:10).
When we become anxious, worry, and try to control our lives, we miss out on the great comfort that our Savior promises us: He has it all under control, not us. We miss out on countless opportunities to just be still, relax, and wait on our Lord. We eliminate chances to do His work and further His Kingdom with all the time we spend worrying, controlling and being afraid.
The great and comforting truth is that we don’t have to do anything, in fact, we can’t do anything to change or alter the future or our circumstances. No amount of worrying, anxiety, or controlling will be able to change anything about our lives, and thank God for that.
Do I still worry? You bet I do. Do I still become anxious at unnecessary times? Of course. Do I still try to control my life? Absolutely. However, I can say that by His grace, I know the truth. And even though I know the truth, that I can’t change anything and shouldn’t worry, of course, I still stumble. But with knowing that truth and turning to Him in times of trial and adversity, I’ve been able to be still a lot more than I used to be able to.
So, when fears grips your heart, turn to Him and ask Him to remind you to fear not. Pray for trust, pray for perseverance, and pray for humility and thanksgiving to know that you can’t control a thing.
Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
